Ernesto's NYC Is My New Go-To Spot for All Things Spanish | Bon Appétit

"Warm, flower-filled, and lively, this Basque-inspired bar and café reflects Chef Ryan Bartlow’s streamlined take on San Sebastián’s Akelarre, turning ambitious seafood techniques into approachable pintxos and bar snacks. You’ll see bottles of Isastegi cider on many tables and plates of Basque-style seafood dressed with olive oil, aioli, paprika, and fresh herbs. Standout small plates include croquetas filled with creamy shredded chicken; gildas stacked with raw tuna, green olives, and snappy pickled peppers; toasted baguettes topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and peppers; and house-fried potato chips draped with thinly sliced jamón ibérico. The vermouth and wine lists focus on Spanish natural wines from thoughtful importers like José Pastor Selections and Selections de la Viña, and cult vermouths such as Partida Creus that are excellent neat or with lemon and soda—ideal companions to the pintxos. Whether you linger for a relaxed five-hour dinner, stop by the adjoining café for coffee and pastries on Saturday mornings, or perch at the bar for drinks and small plates, the place encourages clinking glasses and good times." - ByAlex Delany